What to expect when an air duct cleaner comes to your home may not be as obvious as you may think. There are many different degrees of service out there and it is very important that you get what you pay for. Remember, they are not just cleaning your ducts but also getting rid of the air pollution in your home by improving the indoor air quality.
When that air duct van pulls up to the front of your home be sure that you know what you are in for. This includes what their responsibilities are and what YOU are responsible for.
What You Are Expected To Do
Here is what you can anticipate doing when you hire a professional duct cleaner:
Create a clear path to all ducts.
Pay in full to the terms of the contract.
Notify the duct cleaning service immediately if there is a problem.
Provide milk and cookies (just kidding).
Air Duct Cleaning Service Should
Not only clean but also inspect your entire system by opening every access port.
Check for any asbestos-containing materials that may be in the system before cleaning. These materials should not be removed or disturbed except by specially trained professionals who are familiar with the appropriate procedures for removing asbestos.
Use a high-efficiency particle air (HEPA) filtered vacuum if the exhaust will remain within the home or use air duct cleaning equipment that expells the particles outside of the home.
Make sure all your furnishings and carpet are protected during the cleaning process.
Use both contact vacuum cleaning as well as a controlled brushing method to loosen dust and other particles from the surface of the ducts.
Employ only soft-bristled brushes on ducts with fiberglass duct board or sheet metal ducts lined with fiberglass.
Be sure that the duct work is well-maintained. This includes ensuring that any holes in the system are sealed, making the system airtight.
Abide by NADCA’s regulations for air duct cleaning as well as NAIMA’s suggested guidelines regarding ducts that contain a fiber glass lining or are constructed of fiber glass duct board.
The Specifics
You should not settle for anything less than the best when you are having your ducts cleaned by a professional duct cleaning service. Knowing what they do is one way to protect yourself from over paying for inadequate services.
